PREFACE
We are flooded daily it seems with stories in magazines, newspapers, and e-publications describing newly designed buildings that stretch the limits of construction technology, and profiling the designers who have become experts in sustainable design or in generating unique forms and aesthetic finishes. In recognition of these accomplishments, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) designates a firm of the year and gives awards for outstanding achievements in design and technology for a variety of building types.
Thus enthralled by beautiful photographs and tales of success, the fledgling design student may wonder what distinguishes a successful career in the design and construction professions. More poignantly, they may ask how can they set out on a career in design, and what can they do to facilitate success? The answer to these questions is at least partly obvious—get an education, read about architecture and architects, visit notable buildings, study architectural details, become familiar with materials, work around construction sites, study human behavior, understand energy issues and sustainability, work with color and light, and so on.
Equally essential for design students is to spend time around seasoned professionals with expertise in very specific areas of design, technology, and construction. That is precisely what the new Architectural Graphic Standards Student Edition makes possible, for it makes available to the beginning design student a wealth of professional expertise. Hundreds of design and construction professionals, educators, editors, publishers, and graphic designers were instrumental in the development of the 11th Edition of Architectural Graphic Standards and this new Student Edition.
For example, the student having difficulty understanding the relationships between climate and cladding/fenestration need only seek out the climatic design considerations guidelines offered in the work by Hillier Architecture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The student confused by the new International Building Code can refer to the code-based superstructure considerations developed by Hansen Lind Meyer of Orlando, Florida, for help in developing a schematic structural concept. For understanding something as specific as stair details, Krommehoek/McKeown and Associates of San Diego, California, and Karlsberger and Companies of Columbus, Ohio, show codecompliant stair and landing widths, proper nosing, tread and riser details, and headroom clearances. And for contemporary insight into the “hot” topic of sustainability, William McDonough + Partners of Charlottesville, Virginia, relates the principles of sustainable design and sustainable design process.
I encourage you, the design student, to search through this new edition, for you will find a trove of design and detailing treasures. Take time to examine the guidelines and details that have facilitated the success of the numerous contributing professionals. Do not hesitate to utilize their expertise in your design process and detail development. Be sure to check out the section on environmental impact and material life cycles. The diagram showing energy systems utilizing photovoltaics, passive water preheaters, and cloches is very informative, as are the diagrams of constant-volume multizone HVAC systems.
Best wishes as you advance in your career, with the coaching of some of the best in the profession. Perhaps one day, you, too, will be asked to contribute your own expertise in green design or building diagnostics, facilitating success for those a few rungs lower on the ladder of experience.